Illinois, Pennsylvania and Virginia receive TFI grants

Washington, D.C.-The Fertilizer Institute announced on Sept. 13 that it is awarding its performance-based nutrient use grant program to the Illinois Fertilizer and Chemical Association (IFCA), the Penn Ag Industries Association (Penn Ag), and the Virginia Agribusiness Council (VAC) to help fund initiatives aimed at promoting the science behind nutrient use. TFI’s state nutrient issues grant initiative was unveiled in March, and the Delaware Maryland Agribusiness Association (DMAA) was the first state association to receive a grant under the program. “TFI is pleased to recognize the efforts of our affiliated state and regional associations who have a wide variety of consumer and farmer-aimed nutrient use programs in the planning stages,” said TFI President Ford B. West. “With these grants, Illinois, Pennsylvania and Virginia will be able to get their programs off the ground.” IFCA is planning a “Best Management Practices Education Campaign for Indian Creek Watershed” in Lawrenceville, Ill., focusing on nutrient best management practices and nutrient management plan record-keeping. The grant funds will be used to develop two brochures as part of this campaign. Penn Ag will use its funds to educate small acreage producers/gardeners/homeowners about best management practices, including the importance of soil testing and working with local fertilizer dealers. The grant will enable Penn Ag to develop a brochure on the different fertilizer options homeowners have for residential use. VAC will focus its grant funding on making improvements to the Virginia Nutrient Management Program, including a survey of the industry’s use of best management practices and initiatives to prepare the industry for future nutrient management and environmental stewardship programs. As the projects progress, each recipient will submit progress reports. TFI said grant applications will continue to be reviewed as they are received, and encouraged state and regional associations to apply. A document containing grant criteria and additional information is available from TFI Director of Government Relations Bob Tadsen via e-mail atrtadsen@tfi.org or via telephone at 202-515-2725.